How It All Began…With Simon Payne

July 24, 2012

How did you come up with the idea of building tree-houses?

Blue Forest was founded by Andy Payne in 2003. Andy and I (Simon Payne) were born in Kenya where we were fortunate enough to have spent our childhood surrounded by the beauty and adventure of the great outdoors. Following completion of his degree course, Andy gained significant timber framing and construction expertise through a combination of business and voluntary experience in both the UK & Japan. This included the design and construction of a canopy walkway and tree house for a friend who runs a conservation project in Kenya. Blue Forest was born of these experiences and from a desire to bring people closer to the natural world. The name Blue Forest comes from the Japanese Region called “Aomori” meaning ‘Blue Forest’ – named after the ‘blue’ appearance of the distant pine forests in this mountainous region of Japan.

What is the most bizarre-unique tree house that you have built?

I think most of our tree houses probably seem bizarre to anyone who is not used to the concept of people building luxury tree houses! When you say the word “tree house” most people think of a few pieces of timber and palette up in the branches of a tree. As you can see from our website this is not the type of tree house we build. We have completed a wide variety of strange tree house requests, including installing: an Aga oven, hot tubs, home cinemas, offices, wet rooms, secret tunnels and even a tree house with a separate door for the fairies!!

Have you built a tree house for yourself (Not including the tree houses you built as children!!)?

Shortly after we started Blue Forest we built a tree house as our office. Over the years we have out grown this space and so the tree house has now been converted in to a bed & breakfast for people who want to stay in a luxury tree house on their holiday.

How much does a Blue Forest tree house cost?

Our tree houses start at about £15,000 and “the sky is the limit”! We have had private tree house contracts up to a value of £450,000 and commercial projects in excess of £1.5 million. What ever your tree house dreams we are confident we can design the perfect hideaway for you.

Do you have any projects on at the moment?

Yes we are working on a number of different projects around the country, including tree houses for kids and adults. In addition to our tree house projects we are working on the following commercial schemes.

What is next for Blue Forest?

The eco-PERCH concept is based on Blue Forest’s famous tree houses. It’s natural, organic geometry maximises the relationship between the inside space and the outdoor setting, ensuring the structure sits harmoniously within the landscape.

This versatile accommodation unit offers guests an unrivalled experience and provides clients with a vivid resource for PR and marketing, helping to set them apart from the competition. The building sleeps 4 people and is delivered, assembled and commissioned in approximately 5 days (subject to site preparation). The eco-PERCH design is flexible and can be adapted to suit your site where existing infrastructure is already in place. With options to assemble your building on the ground or in the treetops there are infinite possibilities for creating accommodation with a difference. To simplify the planning requirements the building has been designed to conform with the Caravan & Mobile Homes Act.

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Thanks to Peter for the trunk in Jordan’s tree house. It’s great and very much appreciated.

Hugo Mundy, Private Client, Ascot

The children and parents are talking about it, because it is different and the building has made the ‘statement’ that I hoped that it would.

Michael Wilson, Headmaster Cranleigh School

We were particularly impressed with the imagination shown by the trust in recognising how a very challenging, sloping site could be redesigned to provide such a stunning, interesting and engaging space for young people.

It was a great pleasure to be invited to officially open the Woodland Retreat. I hope that it brings significant benefits to the young people who will use it and that it will help them to regain confidence in themselves.

HRH the Duke of Gloucester The Kings Fund

Best team of workers we have ever had, 100% professional, friendly & reliable. The treehouse is the envy of everyone, every last detail absolutely perfect.

Mrs Hills, Kent, UK

The treehouse is fantastic and is everything we were hoping it would be. It fits into the landscape perfectly. Its design and finish has perfectly translated the brief and vision. We love it!

Nick Tappin, Bursar, Hazelwood School

The aim of WildRootz is to provide a healthy and inspiring place for families to have a fun and energetic day out… This is our contribution in encouraging a new generation of Chris Packham’s or David Attenborough’s for tomorrow.

Deb Jordan, Owner of Pensthorpe Wildlife & Gardens.

From my team point of view I’ve found working with your company to be an easy, hassle free experience with an excellent end result and happy client. Can’t say better than that! As opportunities arise I would be happy to use you again.

William Parker, Architect, Hampshire County Co, UK

It’s absolutely magical when you are inside it. The way it’s been designed makes it look like a little tree-house.

Brenda France Headteacher, Fairfield Infant School

As Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, it is very fitting for me to be launching such a wonderful imaginative project (Birr Castle Tree House) at the start of National Recreation Week.

Frances Fitzgerald, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, T.D. for Dublin Mid West – Speaking at the launch of the Birr Castle Tree House.